Open Enrollment Ends February 15th

Posted on: February 6, 2015By: Abbate Insurance Blogging Team

Do Not Miss This Crucial Deadline

You probably have your calendar marked for February 14th so you will not forget to get your sweetheart something special for Valentine’s Day. Do you have it marked for the day after, though? February 15th marks the end of the current open enrollment period for individual healthcare plans as mandated by the federal government in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The Affordable Care Act has changed the face of healthcare in America. One way that it has done that is by creating a window of time during which individuals can secure health insurance. This window is called the open enrollment period. When it ends, individuals will no longer be able to get marketplace healthcare plans.

Consequently, February 15th is an important deadline for those without health insurance to remember. (Note: if you had a plan in 2014, call your insurance provider to ensure it automatically renewed at the beginning of the year before this deadline.) After this date, if you have failed to secure health insurance your options for coverage in 2015 will be seriously limited. You will be forced to secure short-term health insurance.

Furthermore, if you do not secure coverage before the deadline you will face penalty fees when you file your 2015 taxes. These fees are higher than they were in 2014. If you lack the legally required coverage this year, you will end up paying 2% of your household income or $325 per adult ($162.50 per child), whichever is more.

Are you working with an insurance agency that is keeping you informed about all of the ACA deadlines and how they affect you? To get superior service from your agents, contact your local Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agent, Abbate Insurance Associates in New Haven, Connecticut. Our team of dedicated people is here to help you secure the health insurance you deserve for 2015 and beyond.